2 UNC SHS alumnae sit as CYO councilors SARAH CARINAN NICA DEANNISE BERLON and Kaye Pauline Servidad, alumnae of the University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School (UNC SHS), were among the 2021 Naga City Youth Officials (CYO). They were chosen to serve as its 6th and 8th youth councilors, respectively. Berlon and Servidad were among the Top 48 students selected by the Naga City Government who comprise this year’s batch of CYO, out of 430 applicants. According to Berlon, it was her utmost determination and willingness to serve the “Naguenyouth” that made her apply for the post once more after an unsuccessful bid last 2019. “I reminded myself that my experiences will not betray me which was helpful in making myself stay calm and composed throughout the process,” Berlon said. She also revealed that her first attempt was ‘more of a whim,’ unlike her second attempt, which was a well-thought-of decision. “I actually had no plans to take a second attempt after my failed attempt but I was there when CYO 2019 conducted the first citywide Pride March. That’s when I thought that it would be nice to be able to be a part of a cause that is so big and reverberating, and inclusive. So there, I decided to make another attempt,” she explained. When asked about her plans as the 6th City Youth Councilor, she mentioned that she will highlight youth empowerment within the City. “Youth empowerment, as of the present, to
NICA DEANNISE BERLON 6TH CYO COUNCILOR
make sure that they, we, are given regard and taken into account for as much as we deserve to be, considering that there is still the ‘you’re too young to do anything’ stereotype, and plans to prepare the youth for the future since the youth won’t stay young,” Berlon discussed. Berlon would serve as the youth counterpart of the 6th City Councilor Hon. Vidal P. Castillo. Meanwhile, it is her passion for helping the people that made Servidad apply for the CYO. “I want to be a voice, I want to serve as a medium for the ordinary people and the officials. And with this position, I am given a big privilege to make a move for the betterment of the people, for the youth,” Servidad said. As for her plans, Servidad emphasized her knowledge and capabilities as a nursing student because she will be utilizing those things in crafting programs and ordinances that will cater to the needs of the health of the youth. “This position is assigned to committees such as Health and Nutrition, Culture and Arts/ Tourism, and Games and Amusement. Now that I am taking up BS Nursing as my pre-med course, I will take this as an avenue for me to correlate my knowledge and create programs with regards to the youth’s physical, mental and emotional health. I have a considerable number of programs in mind and I absolutely hope that this could be done face to face, yet with the pandemic, I will probably start with programs that can be done virtually such as webinars and seminars, “ she explained. Servidad is the counterpart of Hon. Jose ‘Doc Sonny’ C. Rañola.
The new City Youth Councilors also shared some advice to any aspiring CYOs in the future. According to Servidad, they must have the ‘heart of being a good leader.’ “You do not have to make adjustments about yourself, you do not have to prepare much for the exams and interviews, you just need to show them that you have what it takes to become a youth official by genuinely speaking with your heart. Always believe that what is meant for you will always make its way for you. Thus, have the heart of being a good leader, because, with that, everything will just follow,” Servidad assured. Meanwhile, Berlon stressed the potential of the youth in achieving things that can bear an impact on the lives of other people. “Always remember that even though we’re young, we’re still capable of doing extraordinary things that will surely impact not only our lives but the lives of others as well. So don’t doubt yourself,” Berlon added. To be part of the CYO, applicants are subjected to a two-phase selection process: a written examination, which was held last March 28 at Naga College Foundation (NCF) MTV Building, and an oral interview which was held last April 9 at Sangguniang Panlungsod Conference Room. After the oral interview, the new batch of youth leaders took their oath of office last April 12 at the City Hall. The CYO will serve as counterparts of city officials and heads of departments and offices of the government of Naga. They will be allowed to handle the operations of the city government excluding areas that are policy determining or requiring monetary disbursements.
KAYE PAULINE SERVIDAD 8TH CYO COUNCILOR
Photos by Naga City Government
